1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R

[Gunner]

Which one of you guys was the highest bidder?


1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen
€51,155,000 EUR | Sold
(And it’s only the second most valuable car ever sold.)

Vanishingly rare, breathtakingly beautiful, and ferociously quick, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R ‘Monza’ Streamliner stands among the most sought-after and collectible competition cars on the planet. Raced in two rounds of the Formula 1 World Championship by two of the greatest drivers to ever take to the stage—Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss—this highly original and immaculately presented example boasts truly impeccable provenance.

For decades the crown jewel in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Collection, on 1 February 2025 this historic racer will make the pilgrimage to its spiritual home in Stuttgart, Germany where it will be offered in a historic standalone auction at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Immeasurably rare and unspeakably desirable, it is unlikely such a machine will ever be offered publicly again.

1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen | W 196 R: The Monza Streamliner | RM Sotheby's

1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen for sale at RM Sotheby's W 196 R: The Monza Streamliner

rmsothebys.com

 

[Nort]

Pricey. I better just take two of those ...

 

[mTk]

I was going to make a bid, but I just don't have enough room in my garage.

 

[Gunner]

You would probably have room if you hadn't bought....

"The most expensive car ever sold at auction was a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, which sold for $142 million in 2022. The car was sold at a secret auction in Stuttgart, Germany."

Probably sold for more because it's a year newer.

Have to be careful of the exhaust pipes when you get out though.

 

[mTk]

True. So very, very true.
I did get it in dark green though so there's that.